Brey Littleton, LMBT

08/06/2025

The atoms in your body are ancient, with origins tracing back billions of years to the universe's earliest moments.

Most of the matter in your body—carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and others—was forged in the hearts of stars through nuclear fusion.

Stars, born from primordial hydrogen and helium after the Big Bang about 13.8 billion years ago, fused these lighter elements into heavier ones over millions of years.

When massive stars died in supernova explosions, they scattered these atoms across space, seeding cosmic clouds that eventually coalesced into new stars, planets, and, ultimately, life.

On Earth, formed about 4.5 billion years ago, these atoms cycled through rocks, oceans, and living organisms.

The carbon in your muscles might once have been part of a dinosaur’s tissue or a prehistoric plant.

The oxygen in your breath could have been in the atmosphere of ancient Earth or locked in ice during an ice age.

Through countless geological and biological processes—erosion, metabolism, decay—these atoms have been recycled, reassembled, and repurposed.

You are their latest form, a temporary arrangement of stardust, part of an ongoing cosmic dance that will continue long after your atoms disperse and find new configurations in the universe.

08/05/2025

We are an ocean of consciousness. 🌊🧘🏻‍♂️⛈️

08/05/2025

08/05/2025

08/03/2025

Time does not heal all wounds — it only provides the opportunity to accept those wounds for what they are. Acceptance is what heals us. For pain there is no cure — you can numb it, ignore it, even go to war with it — but all is futile until you learn the lesson which it is trying to teach. Pain is a scar which demands us to accept our impermanence in this world. It destroys the ego and forces us to make room for the soul. Pain is the greatest gift we are given because it carves out a deep well within us which can be filled with an immense amount of empathy, compassion, and joy. Without pain, we would be completely artificial and inhuman. Pain gives us our soul by first taking us away from it and then returning us to its nest when we are ready to feel whole again. Suffering is the art of healing if we learn how to embrace and dance with it, but when we run away from the shadow within we go blind to its beauty. We cannot cure pain, but we can learn to manage it and carry it in a way that brings about our greatest transformation along the journey of life, death, and everything beyond. There is nothing to fear but the journey itself and the change which comes from walking the spiritual path side-by-side with our pain. Do not reject the wisdom of your own eternal being — from divinity we are born and to divinity we must return. Go with grace. 🥀✨

08/02/2025

We always hear so much about the positive effects of massage and bodywork — but what about the potential negative impacts and contraindications? What about safety, awareness, and the wisdom that comes through understanding the inverse relationship to the body — as in pathology and injury. It is equally, if not more important, to become informed on what can go wrong within our bodies, and our lives as a whole, than what can go right. We must know our own boundaries and limits, and those of others, in order to effectively control outcomes. Restraint, not pride, is power.

Today, I want to educate everyone on a fairly common, yet often misunderstood, occurrence within bodywork circles — the unsightly and alarming BRUISE! There are a variety of reasons why a person may find bruising a day or two after receiving massage — and it may shock some to learn that this could even have therapeutic benefit at times. Let’s dive into it…

🔹 What Are the Different Types of Bruises?

▫️Ecchymosis: Standard bruise >1 cm (e.g., from surface trauma).
▫️ Hematoma: Raised, spongy lump due to pooled blood (e.g., post-surgery or major injury).
▫️ Petechiae: Tiny red/purple dots (

08/02/2025

What is “shadow work” and how can we process grief without bypassing the hidden teaching within our pain in order to transmute that pain into personal power and healing? 🖤

Today, I talk to Dr. Gabor Maté. A celebrated speaker and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics, s...

07/18/2025

✨ 𝕄𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕙𝕝𝕪 𝕄𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝔸𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕪 ✨

“It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has. Foolish is the physician who despises the knowledge acquired by the ancients.” —Hippocrates

💫 In astrology, each zodiac sign governs specific parts of the body, influencing health tendencies and vulnerabilities. Gemini, the third sign of the zodiac (May 21 - June 20), is an air sign ruled by Mercury, and it rules the following body parts:

1. Lungs & Respiratory System – Including the bronchi and trachea.
2. Arms & Hands – Shoulders, fingers, and dexterity-related functions.
3. Nervous System – Gemini’s quick-thinking nature ties to nerves and brain communication.

Gemini’s dual nature means they often juggle high mental activity with physical restlessness. Deep breathing exercises, stretching, and mindfulness can help maintain balance.
———

🌿 Health Tendencies for Gemini (The Messenger of the Zodiac)

As a quick-witted, adaptable air sign ruled by Mercury, Gemini natives have a lively nervous system and a talent for multitasking—but their scattered energy and high mental activity can create specific health patterns often caused by overstimulation and nervous system stress.

Common Gemini Health Strengths:
✅ Strong Nervous System & Mental Agility – Geminis typically have quick reflexes and sharp cognitive function.
✅ Respiratory Efficiency – When healthy, Geminis often have strong lung capacity and good oxygenation.
✅ Fast Recovery from Minor Illnesses – Their adaptable nature helps them bounce back quickly from colds or minor infections.
✅ Good Dexterity & Coordination – Ruling the hands and arms, Geminis often have excellent fine motor skills.
✅ High Energy When Balanced – Their natural curiosity keeps them mentally and physically active.

Gemini Health Weaknesses:
⚠️ Nervous System Overload – Prone to anxiety, stress, and insomnia due to an overactive mind.
⚠️ Respiratory Issues – Vulnerable to asthma, bronchitis, allergies, or frequent colds.
⚠️ Weakness in Shoulders, Arms & Hands – May experience carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve pain, or repetitive strain injuries.
⚠️ Poor Circulation or Nervous Exhaustion – Can suffer from restlessness, tremors, or adrenal fatigue.

Health Tips for Geminis:
🔹 Practice deep breathing exercises (yoga, meditation) to calm the nervous system.
🔹 Stay hydrated to support lung and brain function.
🔹 Engage in activities that use hands (writing, crafting, typing) to maintain dexterity.
🔹 Avoid excessive caffeine or stimulants that worsen anxiety.
🔹 Get enough sleep to prevent nervous exhaustion.

Gemini thrives when they balance mental stimulation with relaxation— keeping their nervous system in check is key to long-term health!
———

🧬 Scientific Summary: Muscles of the Arms, Hands, and Respiration

The arms and hands are controlled by a complex network of muscles responsible for movement, grip, and fine motor skills. Trigger points (TrPs) in these muscles can cause pain, weakness, and referred sensations.

♦️ I. Upper Arm Muscles

1. Biceps Brachii
-Trigger Points: Front shoulder pain (mimics rotator cuff issues). Deep ache in the elbow crease.

2. Triceps Brachii
-Trigger Points: Posterior shoulder pain (feels like rotator cuff injury). Elbow stiffness (tennis elbow-like pain). Pinky finger numbness (ulnar nerve referral).

3. Brachialis (Under biceps)
-Trigger Points: Thumb-side wrist pain (radial referral). Weak grip strength.

4. Brachioradialis
-Trigger Points: Lateral elbow pain (similar to tennis elbow). Thumb and wrist discomfort.

5. Deltoids
-Trigger Points: Inhibited shoulder mobility, pain in deltoid region when rotating or lifting the arm, nerve compression radiating pain down the arm.

♦️ II. Forearm Muscles

1. Flexor Muscles (Grip & Wrist Flexion)
-Trigger Points: Medial epicondyle pain (golfer’s elbow). Carpal tunnel-like symptoms (numbness in fingers).

2. Extensor Muscles (Wrist/Hand Extension)
-Trigger Points: Lateral epicondyle pain (tennis elbow). Stiff fingers, weak hand opening.

♦️ III. Hand Muscles

1. Thenar Eminence (Thumb Muscles)
-Trigger Points: Base of thumb pain (De Quervain’s-like).

2. Hypothenar Eminence (Pinky Side)
-Trigger Points: Ulnar wrist pain, pinky numbness.

3. Lumbricals & Interossei (Fine Finger Control)
-Trigger Points: Deep palm pain, finger stiffness.

♦️ IV. Respiratory Muscles

▫️Breathing involves both primary (diaphragm) and accessory muscles (used during forced breathing). Dysfunction in these muscles can lead to trigger points (TrPs) — hyperirritable knots that cause pain and restrict breathing.

1. Primary Inspiratory Muscles

🫁 Diaphragm
-Function: Contracts during inhalation, flattens to expand the thoracic cavity.
-Trigger Points: Referred pain to shoulder tip (C3-C5 phrenic nerve referral). Can mimic heart attack pain (left side) or rib discomfort. Associated with hiccups, shortness of breath (SOB), or acid reflux.

🫁 External Intercostals
-Function: Elevate ribs during normal inhalation.
-Trigger Points: Local rib pain, sharp stabbing sensations. Can refer pain along the chest wall.

2. Accessory Inspiratory Muscles (Used in deep/forced breathing)

🫁 Scalenes (Anterior, Middle, Posterior)
-Function: Elevate upper ribs during deep inhalation.
-Trigger Points: Refer pain to chest, upper back, and arm (can mimic thoracic outlet syndrome). Associated with nerve compression(brachial plexus irritation).

🫁 Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
-Function: Assists in deep breathing by lifting sternum.
-Trigger Points: Frontal headache, dizziness, sinus pressure. Jaw or ear pain.

🫁 Pectoralis Minor
-Function: Elevates ribs during labored breathing.
-Trigger Points: Chest pain (can mimic angina). Numbness/tingling in the arm (compresses nerves/blood vessels).

3. Expiratory Muscles (Active during forced exhalation, coughing, sneezing)

🫁 Internal Intercostals
-Function: Depress ribs during forced exhalation.
-Trigger Points: Sharp rib pain, difficulty taking deep breaths.

🫁 Abdominals (Re**us Abdominis, External/Internal Obliques, Transversus Abdominis)
-Function: Compress abdomen to push diaphragm up.
-Trigger Points: Mid-back pain, groin pain, or abdominal cramping.

▫️Common Causes for Respiratory Restriction:
-Chronic stress, overstimulation, and anxiety (shallow breathing → overuse of accessory muscles).
-Poor posture and lack of movement (slouching → diaphragm restriction).
-Asthma/COPD (overuse of accessory muscles).
-Repetitive strain (e.g., heavy lifting, gaming, prolonged computer use).

07/09/2025

Update: I’ve been on vacation and embracing summertime the last month, but I’ll be back to the page soon enough with more content! In the meantime, go cool off in the sacred springs at our backdoor and reset your vagus nerve — it is ALMOST as good as a massage! 🧠⚡️🙌🏻

Florida’s most magical feature in my opinion is within its 700 natural limestone ‘cenotes’. Don’t miss your chance to experience them this summer and let the cold water balance out the strong yang, fire energy of the summer! Per Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine, every season requires a change in diet and lifestyle — cold plunging is a perfect way to level out the aggressive heat in the Deep South. 🔥☯️💧

06/07/2025

Looking forward to a calm, rainy week ahead!🌧️

04/27/2025

✨ 𝕄𝕠𝕟𝕥𝕙𝕝𝕪 𝕄𝕖𝕕𝕚𝕔𝕒𝕝 𝔸𝕤𝕥𝕣𝕠𝕝𝕠𝕘𝕪 ✨

“It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has. Foolish is the physician who despises the knowledge acquired by the ancients.” —Hippocrates

💫 In astrology, each planet and zodiac sign is associated with certain parts of the body that it "rules." Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, is a fire sign ruled by Mars, and it governs the following body parts:

1. Head — Including the skull, brain, face, and scalp.
2. Eyes — Particularly the forehead and brow area.
3. Sinuses — Linked to the head and face.
4. Adrenal Glands — Tied to Aries' energetic and impulsive nature.

Aries is associated with energy, action, and assertiveness, so issues in these areas (like headaches, migraines, sinus problems, or eye strain) may be more common or significant for Aries individuals.
———

🌿 Health Tendencies for Aries (The Warrior of the Zodiac)

As a fiery, energetic sign, Aries is known for strength, vitality, and impulsiveness — but this can also lead to specific health patterns.

Common Aries Health Strengths:
✅ High energy & stamina — Naturally athletic, quick to recover.
✅ Strong immune response — Fights off illness aggressively.
✅ Fast metabolism — Often lean and active.

Potential Aries Health Weaknesses:
⚠️ Headaches & migraines — From stress, overheating, or rushing.
⚠️ Sinus & eye issues — Allergies, dryness, or strain.
⚠️ High blood pressure — Due to stress, anger, or impatience.
⚠️ Burns, cuts, or injuries — Rash actions lead to accidents (Mars rules sharp objects).
⚠️ Adrenal fatigue — Burning out from overexertion.

Health Tips for Aries:
🔹 Manage stress — Meditation, breathwork, or cooling activities (Aries tends to overheat).
🔹 Protect the head — Wear helmets when needed, sunglasses, and avoid risky behavior involving the face.
🔹 Moderate intensity — Avoid pushing too hard in workouts (risk of injury).
🔹 Stay hydrated — Fire signs can easily overheat.
🔹 Regular eye check-ups — Prevent strain from screens or sunlight.

Aries thrives on action, so staying active is key — but balancing it with rest is crucial for long-term health!
———

🧬 Scientific Summary: Muscles of the Head and Face

The muscles of the head and face are responsible for facial expressions, mastication (chewing), eye movements, and scalp movement. They are highly innervated by cranial nerves (mainly the facial nerve and trigeminal nerve and can develop trigger points (TrPs) that refer pain in distinct patterns.

♦️ I. Muscles of Facial Expression
These muscles insert into the skin and facilitate expressions.

1. Frontalis (Forehead Muscle)
-Referred Pain: Forehead tension headaches.
-Trigger Points: Often linked to tension headaches and stress.

2. Orbicularis Oculi (Eyelid Muscle)
-Referred Pain: Around the eye, temple.
-Trigger Points: Can cause "eye strain" headaches.

3. Orbicularis Oris (Lip Muscle)
-Referred Pain: Jaw, teeth.
-Trigger Points: May mimic toothache.

4. Zygomaticus Major & Minor (Smile Muscles)
-Referred Pain: Cheek, upper teeth.

5. Platysma (Neck/Thin Sheet Muscle)
-Referred Pain: Lower jaw, anterior neck.

♦️ II. Muscles of Mastication
These muscles move the mandible (jawbone).

1. Masseter (Primary Chewing Muscle)
-Referred Pain: Temple, lower jaw, ear, upper molars.
-Trigger Points: Common in TMJ disorders, bruxism (teeth grinding).

2. Temporalis (Fan-Shaped Temple Muscle)
-Referred Pain: Temple, upper teeth, eyebrow (migraine-like).
-Trigger Points: Often mistaken for tension headaches.

3. Medial & Lateral Pterygoids (Deep Jaw Muscles)
-Referred Pain: Deep ear, TMJ, maxillary sinus.
-Trigger Points: Can cause TMJ dysfunction, ear fullness, sinus-like pain.

♦️ III. Extraocular Muscles (Control Eye Movement - CN III, IV, VI)
These muscles move the eyeball and can refer pain behind the eye.

1. Superior Re**us / Inferior Re**us / Medial & Lateral Re**us / Obliques
-Referred Pain: Deep orbital pain, tension headaches.
-Notes: Overuse (screens) can cause eye strain (asthenopia). Limit screen time and be more present.

♦️ IV. Occipitofrontalis (Epicranial Muscle - Scalp)
-Referred Pain: Tension headaches, "band-like" pressure.
-Trigger Points: Often related to stress, poor posture.
———

😤 The Stress-Facial Tension Cycle: Science, Symptoms & Solutions

The link between stress and facial muscle tension is a vicious, neurologically wired cycle—often overlooked until pain (headaches, TMJ dysfunction, bruxism, or even toothaches) appears.

▫️1. The Neurophysiology of Stress-Induced Facial Tension

+ A. The Stress Response (Fight-or-Flight)
—Amygdala activation → Triggers sympathetic nervous system (SNS) → Releases catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline).
—Result: Muscles contract (ready for "fight"), including jaw clenching (masseter/temporalis), brow furrowing (frontalis), and eye squinting (orbicularis oculi).

+ B. Chronic Stress → Muscle Overload
—Sustained SNS activation → Reduced blood flow to muscles → Ischemia (oxygen deprivation) → Trigger points (TrPs) form.

+ C. The Vagus Nerve Connection
—Chronic facial tension inhibits vagus nerve (parasympathetic "rest-digest" system) → Perpetuates stress.
—Clenched jaw = body stays in "alert mode" (feedback loop).

▫️ 2. Symptoms of Stress-Related Facial Tension

—Jaw: Clenching/grinding (bruxism), TMJ clicking, tooth sensitivity.
—Eyes: Strain, twitching (orbicularis oculi spasms), light sensitivity.
—Head: Tension headaches, scalp tenderness (occipitofrontalis).
—Face: "Frozen" expressions (from chronic contraction), sinus-like pain (pterygoids).

▫️ 3. Breaking the Cycle: Evidence-Based Strategies

+ A. Immediate Stress-Reduction Techniques
—Diaphragmatic Breathing:
Activates vagus nerve → Lowers SNS dominance.
—How: Inhale 4 sec → Hold 4 sec → Exhale 6 sec (repeat 5x).
—“Jaw Drop" Exercise:
Let tongue rest on palate, teeth slightly apart (breaks clenching habit).

+ B. Long-Term Solutions
—Biofeedback Therapy: Trains awareness of subconscious clenching (studies show ~30% reduction in tension headaches).
—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addresses stress thought patterns that drive muscle tension.
—Topical Magnesium Glycinate: Rubbed on jaw/temples at night reduces spasms.

+ C. Bodywork for Facial Stress
—Intraoral Massage:
Gloved thumb presses inner cheek (pterygoids) to release jaw tension.
—Guided Self-Massage:
Temples (temporalis): Circular pressure while humming (vagus stimulation).
—Eyebrows (frontalis): Pinch-and-release along brow ridge.

+ D. Ergonomics & Habits
—Phone/Posture: Avoid "tech neck" (forward head posture strains suboccipitals).
—Hydration: Dehydration worsens muscle cramps (aim for ~0.6 oz water per lb body weight).

04/21/2025

Slow down to bring more presence into your week with one of these services – book online or by phone to reset your body today! ✨

https://www.mindfulmassage.biz/
(229) 259-9535